80/20 Rule: How to Get More Impact with Less Work

Ever feel like you’re juggling too many projects and still not seeing results? The 80/20 rule – also called the Pareto principle – says that 80% of your outcomes come from just 20% of your actions. Spot the vital 20% and you’ll free up time, energy, and resources for the things that truly matter.

At Holy Family Catholic Church in Patchway we see this every week: a handful of events bring most of the community together, while a long list of smaller tasks sit on the side. By zeroing in on the high‑impact activities, the parish can serve more people without burning out volunteers.

Find the 20% That Drives Community Engagement

Start by looking at past events. Which gatherings had the biggest attendance? Which outreach programs sparked real conversations? For example, our monthly “Community Outreach Night” consistently draws families, volunteers, and local partners. That single night accounts for a large chunk of the goodwill and donations we receive each month.

Next, ask your volunteers what they enjoy most. When people love what they do, they stick around. In a recent survey, volunteers said they felt most fulfilled when they helped run the Essential Five Steps of Community Engagement workshops. Prioritising those workshops means you’re using volunteer time where it matters most.

Apply the Rule to Charity Activities and Volunteering

Charities often spread themselves thin. Look at the Top Activities of a Charity post – the biggest impact comes from direct service and clear fundraising drives. Focus your budget on those two areas and you’ll see a jump in support.

When planning new projects, ask: “If I could only do one thing this month, what would give the biggest benefit?” Maybe it’s launching a Fun Fundraising Idea that brings together local schools and businesses. That single event could cover 80% of the funds needed for next‑year programs.

For volunteers, the 80/20 rule means saying no to low‑impact tasks. If you spend an hour handing out flyers but only a few people show up, that hour is better spent routing calls for the Community Outreach: Real Meaning program, where each conversation can lead to lasting partnerships.

Remember, the goal isn’t to do less, it’s to do smarter. Track the results of each initiative – attendance numbers, donation amounts, feedback scores – and adjust. Over time you’ll see a clear pattern of which 20% of actions move the needle.

So, next time you’re planning a church event, a charity drive, or a volunteer shift, ask yourself: what’s the 20% that will give us 80% of the impact? Focus on that, and watch your community thrive with less stress and more joy.

Gareth Sheffield

Unlocking Success: Applying the 80/20 Rule to Fundraising Strategies

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, is a powerful concept in fundraising that suggests most results come from a small fraction of efforts. By focusing on identifying and nurturing the top 20% of donors responsible for 80% of donations, fundraisers can maximize their impact and efficiency. The article explores practical ways to implement this principle, tips for identifying key supporters, and strategies for fostering strong relationships with major donors. It also discusses the importance of data analysis and personalized communication in enhancing fundraising outcomes.